If you were injured on a job in Louisiana, you may be navigating the complex workers' compensation process for the first time. One of the first questions injured workers often have is whether they can choose their own doctor—or change doctors—while receiving workers' comp benefits. The good news is, under Louisiana law, you do have rights when it comes to your medical care, and knowing these rights is important for protecting both your health and your legal claim.

Your Right to Choose Your Treating Physician in Louisiana

Under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 23:1121(B)(1), if you're injured at work, you have the right to select one treating physician in each specialty field or area of practice. That means you can choose your own primary care doctor, and if needed, also select specialists (like an orthopedic surgeon or neurologist) for your treatment.

Your employer—or their insurance company—cannot require you to see only their preferred doctors. While they may suggest physicians or have you evaluated by a company doctor for an initial exam, you are not bound to continue treatment with that doctor. You can instead choose a doctor who you trust and who will prioritize your recovery.

However, once you make a choice of a treating physician in a given field (usually through submitting a choice of physician form, Form LWC-WC-1121), you cannot change to another doctor in that same specialty without first obtaining approval from the employer or their workers' compensation insurance carrier.

Can You Change Doctors After You Start Treatment?

Yes, but with limitations. If you are already treating with a doctor in a specific field (for example, orthopedic care) and you're not satisfied with the treatment or care you're receiving, Louisiana law does allow you to switch doctors. But under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 23:1121(B)(1), you must get prior approval from the employer or their workers' comp insurance carrier.

If you simply go see another doctor in the same specialty without permission, the new treatment may not be covered by workers' comp, and you could end up paying out-of-pocket. This is why it's crucial to talk to a workers' comp attorney before making any changes to your treatment plan.

It's important to note that switching to a different type of specialist does not require approval. For instance, if your treating orthopedic doctor refers you to a neurologist, you can select the neurologist of your choice without needing additional permission.

Employer's Choice of Examining Physician

The employer also has a right to request that you attend an examination by their choice of physician under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 23:1121(A) as soon after the accident as demanded and thereafter as is reasonably necessary. While you must attend this exam, the employer's doctor does not become your treating physician; and you are not obligated to receive ongoing care from them. The employer cannot require the employee to be examined by more than one medical practitioner in any field or specialty unless prior consent is obtained from the employee.

Independent Medical Examination (IME)

If a dispute arises between the employee's physician and the employer's physician as to the condition of the employee or the employee's capacity to work, any party can request a third physician be appointed for an Independent Medical Examination (IME) under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 23:1123. This is a one-time exam by a doctor, whose opinion is often viewed as the tie breaking opinion.

Medical Treatment Guidelines and Authorization

Louisiana also follows specific Medical Treatment Guidelines (MTGs), which outline what treatments are generally approved for work-related injuries. Your treating physician must often get pre-authorization for certain treatments, surgeries, or referrals. If your claim is denied or delayed by the insurance company, a lawyer can help you push back and ensure that the proper forms—like the LWC-WC-1009—are filed to challenge the denial or delay in treatment.

Why Your Choice of Doctor Matters

Choosing a doctor who understands how workers' compensation cases work in Louisiana can make a major difference in your case. A good physician will properly document your injuries, follow up with appropriate referrals, and support you if you need to be taken off work or placed on light duty. If your doctor is not responsive or doesn't understand the workers' comp process, you may miss out on benefits you're entitled to.

This is why many injured workers in Slidell seek the advice of a local attorney who knows the workers' compensation system and can guide them through it.

Slidell Louisiana Workers' Compensation Lawyer

If you've been hurt on the job in Louisiana, and you're wondering whether you can choose or change your doctor in your workers' comp case, attorney Delsa is here to help. He understands how critical your medical care is to your recovery—and how confusing the process can be.

Let him answer your questions, guide you through your legal options, and advocate for the benefits you're entitled to receive. Don't let red tape or insurance company tactics keep you from the treatment you need.

Contact Delsa Law Firm, LLC by calling (985) 882-1222 or contacting us online for a free consultation.